Australia’s pre-eminent hard rock band AC/DC announced Thursday they will carry on making music without ailing rhythm guitarist Malcolm Young.

“After 40 years of life dedicated to AC/DC, guitarist and founding member Malcolm Young is taking a break from the band due to ill health,” the group said on their website, without disclosing the nature of his illness.

“Malcolm would like to thank the group’s diehard legions of fans worldwide for their never-ending love and support.”

The statement added: “The band will continue to make music.”

Formed in Australia in 1973 by Malcolm and brother Angus Young, AC/DC is famed for rock anthems “Let There Be Rock”, “Whole Lotta Rosie” and “Highway to Hell”.

Fairfax Media reported that Young, aged 61, was unlikely to play again and that he could be moved to respite care.

The band appealed for Young’s privacy to be respected and the website was full of comments and prayers for the guitarist and his family.

“If you return we will be here waiting,” said one message signed “xo”.

Reports in Australia said AC/DC, who have sold more than 200 million albums, would still keep a May date at a Vancouver recording studio.

The band is known for its blues-tinged rock’n’roll, pounding sound and the raw vocals of Briton Brian Johnson, who took over when Bon Scott died after a night of heavy drinking in 1980.

Among their historic albums are Highway to Hell (1979) and Back in Black (1980).